18th Century Textiles Quiz – Basic Level

During 18th century, “Stuff” generally refers to smooth, woven wool fabrics.

Both ubiquitous and sturdy, linen was used for these foundational garments which were expected to stand up to much more frequent, harsh washing than middle and outer clothing layers.

Also known as woolsey-linsey or wincey (Scots), linsey-woolsey was made with a linen warp and woollen weft. In colonial America, fabric of the same name was sometimes woven with a cotton warp rather than linen.

Historians postulate that Osnaburg fabric was first imported into English-speaking regions from the city of Osnabrück, Germany. The name persisted despite the textile being later produced elsewhere, such as in Scotland.

Originally developed in the 19th century, viscose (more generally, rayon) is a textile manufactured using a chemical process from wood cellulose or similar plant materials. Producers of viscose often seek to imitate the texture of other fabrics such as silk and cotton. Regardless of its form, viscose is generally not considered a “natural fiber.”

The root of the madder plant tint fabrics with a red hue. Woad produces a blue, while annetto and turmeric were used to create shades of yellow.

A late 18th century innovation, ginning became part of the process for manufacturing cotton cloth.

Duffel, broadcloth, serge, and tammy all refer to types of wool cloth.

Linen cloth has been made from the stalks of the flax plant for many thousands of years. Sisal and bamboo are used to make other (non-linen) textiles. The bolls of the cotton plant are manufactured into cotton, a separate fabric category from linen. Angora fibers come from the fur of the angora species of rabbits.